Saturday, July 14, 2012

Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival to become premier international event


KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is slated to be bigger in the near future as efforts are being made to upgrade it into a premier international event.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Datuk Rashid Khan said efforts included making the event a platform to create awareness on environmental preservation.

“We are looking at ways to turn the event to include partnerships to champion environmental issues,” said Rashid.

He also highlighted RWMF’s success for being listed as one of the top 25 best music festivals by Songlines, a United Kingdom world music magazine.

“RWMF has been recognised as among the top 25 best music festivals for three consecutive years and we are deeply honoured by the acknowledgement,” he said at the opening ceremony of RWMF at Sarawak Cultural Village near here on Thursday night.

Rashid also drew attention to the new direction taken by the festival, saying plans in the next five years might see the event being held in other cities in Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Tourism (Local Events and Products) Datuk Gramong Juna, in his welcoming address to delegates, performers and members of both local and international media said RWMF is the best opportunity for outsiders to indulge in everything related to Sarawak.

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